Altman performs ‘Jewmongous!’ tonight

Posted:
12/27/2012 03:00:00 AM EST

Thursday December 27, 2012

BRATTLEBORO -- Sean Altman, the singer, composer and musical force behind the a cappella group Rockapella, brings his silky tenor back to Brattleboro as the star of "Jewmongous!" -- his collection of satirical comedy songs poking good natured, often raunchy and decidedly less than politically correct fun at his Jewish heritage and the plight of modern Jewish life.

Altman will perform "Jewmongous!" on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 7:30 p.m., at the Hooker-Dunham Theater, 139 Main St.

He will be backed by percussionist and joined by guest vocalist Cynthia Kaplan.

Altman brought "Jewmongous!" to Brattleboro in 2010 and is back with an updated show that includes new songs like "Jesus Christ’s Bar Mitzvah," "The Least Jewy Jew In Jewville" and "Hooked On Hora."

Altman is perhaps best known for penning and performing the theme song for the PBS TV series "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?" in which Altman and Rockapella starred. Carmen won numerous Emmys and the coveted Peabody Award while attracting a viewership of 20 million. Altman’s career continued from there -- nine CD releases, eight tours of Japan, concerts with Sting and Don Henley, TV specials with Jay Leno and Whoopi Goldberg and numerous commercials.

The "Jewmongous!" experience is summed up by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in Manhattan where Altman recently performed to a sold-out house:

"’Jewmongous’ is funny ‘til it hurts.

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Sean dishes out an irreverent, sometimes vulgar, but always illuminating view of American Jewish life. While his humor cuts to the bone, Altman’s pride in the tribe is always evident, and he is also a world-class Mensch. Listen and weep. And love it!"

"Jewmongous!" has earned Altman comparisons to other Jewish artists whose work melds comedy, satire, music and social commentary. The Philadelphia Daily News dubbed Altman and the show "wildly funny ... part of a new breed of Jewish hipster comedy that includes Jon Stewart, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sarah Silverman and Heeb Magazine."

The Jewmongous! road show stops in Brattleboro immediately following dates at Club Passim in Cambridge, Mass., and City Winery in Manhattan.

"Jewmongous!" runs approximately 90 minutes with one intermission. Tickets are $18 online at www.brownpapertickets.com or In The Moment Records on Main Street.

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